Teaching Degree

[balut]

So I was having a conversation with my cousin's fiance a few days ago, and she mentioned that she went back to school to earn a teaching degree, preferably to teach middle-school math. And we got into a conversation about teaching in general, good and bad teachers, etc.

Anyhoo, I was thinking about that conversation and found that I'm really interested in the thought of teaching as a profession. Specifically, I'd really like to teach English, Writing, or History, preferably at a high school level. I know there's a Certification Test involved with this, but does anyone know what courses might be required before one becomes eligible to teach at a high school level? I have a degree in Communication, but I'm not sure how that would translate into high school classes.

Any teachers out there with advice and knowledge on what I'd have to do to pursue this career change?

[Aleck]

Well, it differs a little from state to state, but here's the general process.

1) Get a temporary certificate. This involves an examination process. In your case, you'll want to get a certificate for Secondary English or History. The name for these certificates varies from state to state, but you can find out what you need to do it by calling your local NEA affiliate.

2) Check job postings in your local school district(s). Generally, these postings go up first in June, and then again in August. Postings in August are a better chance because by August districts are desperate to fill all their slows with qualified teachers.

3) Teach.

4) Within a limited period of time (generally 3-5 years), you need to get a masters degree in Education. Sadly, Education is one of the easiest masters degrees out there. Many teachers earn their masters at night over the course of 2-3 years.

While this process varies from state to state, almost every state offers a temporarily or emergency credential, with the caveat that they expect you to get a masters within a few years. Alternately, you can take a balls to the wall masters program and get your masters in education within about 15 months (many universities offer these programs).

asjunk

[GregB]

Wow... that's remarkably close to what I'm trying to do. I've got a Mass Communications degree and I'm looking to get certified, but I'd prefer to find some other way than spending a crapload of money on more college classes. Here's what I've learned / done:

Go take the Praxis 1 exams. You can take them just about anywhere (I think they might be online as well). They're pretty easy, just brush up on your math.

Where I am (Vermont), if you feel your life/work experience is enough to qualify for certification, you can go through a peer review process. You apply to the school board and then present them with a portfolio of proof that you have what it takes to be a teacher. It appears fairly straightforward, but I felt I needed to brush up on some things (like actually teaching a class). A local high school has a program that will prep you for Peer Review for around $3000. But even with this program, there's no guarantee you'll be certified through Peer Review. Since I didn't feel like dropping three grand on a gamble, I figured I could drum up some experience on my own.

So I did two things: I got on a school list as a substitute teacher and I landed a part time gig at a local college teaching a few classes in media writing. The sub thing was a real eye opener. It's a bit like walking into a room with a big "kick me" sign on your back... and your front... and everywhere else. But it quickly hardens you up and gives you plenty of practice in keeping order. Sadly, most schools and teachers just want a warm body to make sure no one kills anyone else. I've walked into classrooms with instructions on what to do, and it's really hard.

The college thing was quite a bit better. I had total control of the lesson plan. The department was supportive, but hands off. I made a ton of mistakes, but by the end of the semester I think I had things more or less down. I also got to deal with some big issues, like plagiarism. Yep, one of my students copied something straight from the Internet... I think she was surprised I knew how to use Google. It was a tremendous learning experience. One student was upset she got an A- instead of an A.

And that's where I'm at right now. I think my next step is to actually do the peer review thing, but due to more pressing financial concerns, I might hold off for a bit. I'd also be interested in hearing what others have to say on this. My feeling after messing around with the system is that for all the lament over the lack of teachers and how they really want to recruit new blood, very little is being done to encourage people interested in transitioning from another career.

[balut]

I've dug up some info about the New Jersey teaching requirements, but I'm not sure on a few things. For example, like you mentioned, the Praxis I exam is required pretty much to start teaching anything.

For what I'm interested in, though (high-school level teaching), the non-traditional route (not having a Masters in Education) involves taking the Praxis II exam in the field you're interested in, as well as having a specific degree in that field (this would give you Provisional License upon employment). I looked over the Praxis II categories, and English would be my best fit. Unfortunately, I have a degree in Communication, and I'm not sure if that can even be reconciled with high-school level education.

I have to do more research, or get more info from people here, because, as is, it seems that I'll need to go back to school to get an English degree and/or an Education degree to teach at the high-school level in NJ.

[AIM]

I've dug up some info about the New Jersey teaching requirements, but I'm not sure on a few things. For example, like you mentioned, the Praxis I exam is required pretty much to start teaching anything

Balut you live in NJ!! Wow... small world. :D

I'm a special education major at Rowan University, in Glassboro NJ!! Rowan at one time was a teachers college, but now it's mainly known as an engineering school since Mr. Rowan contributed over 100 million. People wanting to teach still go to Rowan for their teahers certificates.

1) Your exactly correct about taking that Praxis 1 exam. Get it completed before you attend classes. The test is pretty simple. The test consists of 3 parts (writing, math and english). I passed all 3 sections on my first try. If you don't pass a section you have to wait 90 days before you can retake that particular section. That's important, because if you don't pass all 3 sections you will not be able to do junior practicum or student teach. Don't worry though.. the test is easy and you only need a 70 to pass each section. Also.. you can take the test on a computer or the ole fashioned way. Take it on the computer.

2) Next fall I'll be engaged in the junior practicum course at Rowan. And what I'll be doing is going to two sites on Tuesday and Thursday at a public school that Rowan has picked out for my group. And I'll repeat the procedure again in the Spring, but I'll be working with older students. What it does is give you a hands on approach to teaching.

3) This is so important. You have to like kids. People go into the teaching profession believing that they like children but once they are in the classroom reality strikes. Kids can be so bad nowadays. The kids I deal with will tell you to go fuck yourself in a heartbeat if you try and punish their behavior. Ah.. you have to have patience patience patience. Also... If the parents are unsupportive it can make your job even harder. and if the superintendent and/or principal are uncooperative then forget about it. It can lead to quite a bit of frustration.

4) Teachers pay in NJ is actually pretty decent. The average starting salary is $32,000 where as the more well to do districts are offering $40,000 to starting teachers. My father's buddy was teaching special education at my local highschool and his salary was $85,000! He was teaching History to a few students who were classified. He had recently retired. Also.. NJ needs educators as we have many teachers who are going to be retiring in the next few years. And.. males are desperately needed in special education! We could use you!!! :D

Anyway... Teaching is such a rewarding experience and the time that I spend with the children is like nothing else. This is what I want to do and hopefully you'll feel the same way.

good luck!

[XPav]

A neighbor of my parents decided to stop running a auto service station and start teaching high school. He lasted 2 years.

Its not for everyone.

[Tyjenks]

A neighbor of my parents decided to stop running a auto service station and start teaching high school. He lasted 2 years.

Its not for everyone.

Yeah. I don't think the hot, blonde lawyer chick is going to last on Boston Public either.

[voltaic]

I'm thinking of teaching English in a foreign country. I posted on QT3 a long time ago about being a math teacher here in the US and I just don't know if I could do that. I'm semi-hotheaded and I'm pretty sure one day some jackoff parent (some parents are) would come ot me with some crap and a yelling match would ensue. It happens at my current job over trivial matters, so it damn sure could happen at an educating job.

On the other hand, I could handle teaching in a country where they still practice things like "good parenting" as a general rule. Where sociologists haven't convinced parents to let their bastard kids run their lives yet in order to maintain their fragile self-esteems.

All cynicism aside, I thnk teaching would be sweet but MAN OH MAN you have to be patient. My mom (elementary art teacher) got shanked by some piece of shit 3rd grader with a pencil once and had to suck it up like a soldier. I couldn't do that. I'd kill the fucking kid and his family. So...

[TimElhajj]

I'm thinking of teaching English in a foreign country. I posted on QT3 a long time ago about being a math teacher here in the US and I just don't know if I could do that. I'm semi-hotheaded and I'm pretty sure one day some jackoff parent (some parents are) would come ot me with some crap and a yelling match would ensue. It happens at my current job over trivial matters, so it damn sure could happen at an educating job.

On the other hand, I could handle teaching in a country where they still practice things like "good parenting" as a general rule. Where sociologists haven't convinced parents to let their bastard kids run their lives yet in order to maintain their fragile self-esteems.

All cynicism aside, I thnk teaching would be sweet but MAN OH MAN you have to be patient. My mom (elementary art teacher) got shanked by some piece of shit 3rd grader with a pencil once and had to suck it up like a soldier. I couldn't do that. I'd kill the fucking kid and his family. So...

ahhahahaha...

[AIM]

All cynicism aside, I thnk teaching would be sweet but MAN OH MAN you have to be patient. My mom (elementary art teacher) got shanked by some piece of shit 3rd grader with a pencil once and had to suck it up like a soldier. I couldn't do that. I'd kill the fucking kid and his family. So...

Please... It's a child for christ sakes. Kids will do aweful things but you have to remember that they don't know any better.

When I was in school I'd cuss the teacher out and I even made a teacher cry! I'd tell her to go fuk herself and I'd get into fights with my fellow classmates. I was classified as an ED/BD and ADHD child!!! :D

I guess I'll be right at home when I start teaching special ed.

[DennyA]

Please... It's a child for christ sakes. Kids will do aweful things but you have to remember that they don't know any better.

That's an... interesting viewpoint. I'd perhaps agree for a four-year-old. But a third grader? Kids at that age know right from wrong. Or they do if the parents are awake and give a damn.

When I was in school I'd cuss the teacher out and I even made a teacher cry! I'd tell her to go fuk herself and I'd get into fights with my fellow classmates. I was classified as an ED/BD and ADHD child!!! :D
I guess I'll be right at home when I start teaching special ed.

Better hope that Karma is just superstition. :)

[Anders Hallin]

That's an... interesting viewpoint. I'd perhaps agree for a four-year-old. But a third grader? Kids at that age know right from wrong. Or they do if the parents are awake and give a damn.

Not so sure about that, at best they probably know "right/good for them" from "wrong for them".

[Anders Hallin]

Advice: Read GTO, Great Teacher Onizuka :)
Great mangacomic about a no-good punk becoming a teacher (since I assume you're all no-good punks, at heart).

[copeknight]

Not so sure about that, at best they probably know "right/good for them" from "wrong for them".

Oh, no. They know better. And they also know they can get away with a heck of a lot because people think "Oh let them do whatever they want because they don't know any better."

[Anders Hallin]

They know what other people think they should do, but they don't know that is "better".

[TimElhajj]

It's been awhile since I read the research but I thought it was generally accepted that kids who solve problems with violence more often than not learned that behavior on the knee of their parents. So I guess I agree with whoever said the parent need to do a better job. But I disagree with anyone who would advocate punishing children as a way to get a well-behaved child.

[Tyjenks]

"I would never hit a child. Never, ever hit a child no matter what they did or how mad I got. But I would shake the shit outta one!"

[Dirt]

"On the other hand, I could handle teaching in a country where they still practice things like "good parenting" as a general rule."

What you call "good parenting" in most countries would also be classified as "child abuse" here.

[Peter Frazier]

Don't look for a good country, just look for a good school. A strong, supportive upper management combined with enough 'middle-class' or 'well-bred' (sorry- I can't think of a less snobbish demographic term) students to create a critical mass of politeness is all you need. There will always be a 10% dickhead factor in any school population but the difference in what is considered a dickhead between schools is enormous. Just look for the school where a problem student is one who talks too much in class as opposed to one who assaults teachers.

[AIM]

Off topic but...

Hitting a child = Child abuse.

It doesn't matter if your a father who punishes their child by lightly smacking them on the hand or a father who agressively and for no reason punches their small child. Hitting a child should never be tolerated in this day an age. That's why people need to learn behavior techniques to deal with unruly children. You punish a child by taking away what they love to do, instead of using physical abuse.

And yea.. if I was in a supermarket and I had witnessed a mother or father smack their child on the hand, I would seriously think about calling Dyfus. If a parent is hitting their child in public, you have to wonder what goes on in the household..... Away from the public.

just my opinion...

[voltaic]

All cynicism aside, I thnk teaching would be sweet but MAN OH MAN you have to be patient. My mom (elementary art teacher) got shanked by some piece of shit 3rd grader with a pencil once and had to suck it up like a soldier. I couldn't do that. I'd kill the fucking kid and his family. So...

Please... It's a child for christ sakes. Kids will do aweful things but you have to remember that they don't know any better.

I am swayed. No 9-year old should be expected to know that it is wrong to stab a teacher (or anyone) with a pencil. I'm sure that better child psychology research would have placed the blame firmly on the shoulders of the responsible party.

I'd saying something like "all these impovershed, oppressed minorities need is education" here, but it just doesn't seem to fit. Paging Dr. McCullough!

What you call "good parenting" in most countries would also be classified as "child abuse" here.

That's a pretty bold generalization, don't you think?

[Aleck]

Don't look for a good country, just look for a good school. A strong, supportive upper management combined with enough 'middle-class' or 'well-bred' (sorry- I can't think of a less snobbish demographic term) students to create a critical mass of politeness is all you need. There will always be a 10% dickhead factor in any school population but the difference in what is considered a dickhead between schools is enormous. Just look for the school where a problem student is one who talks too much in class as opposed to one who assaults teachers.

Agreed. Unfortunately, "good schools" are few and far between (at least as far as public schools go). If you want to teach in a private school, find a local "independent" school. They pay better and have better students than Catholic schools, as a general rule.

asjunk

[TimElhajj]

You punish a child by taking away what they love to do

Even better, let them realize the logical consequences of their actions. Logical consequences work better because kids can make out the relationship between cause and effect better that way. Instead of making it into a power play between parent and child, it's just a reasonable response to the child's own behavior. It gives the child more control of the situation. That's exactly what you want.

[Peter Frazier]

Off topic but...

Hitting a child = Child abuse.

Says the ADD/HD kid who told his teacher to fuck off and caused a teacher to cry.
Sounds like you're carrying a few scars from the past. Or maybe you weren't thrashed enough when you were young. :wink:
BTW, I'll threaten my 3 year old son with a smack if he gets out of line. Sometimes you don't have the luxury of time or patience to do the counselling thing. Good thing he hasn't called my bluff yet.
Makes you wonder how parents in the past ever managed to bring up polite, responsible children with those old fashioned models of discipline. Compared to the much better manners displayed by today's generation.....NOT!

[TimElhajj]

Note to self: No sleep overs for the kids at the Frazier house! :)

[XPav]

Agreed. Unfortunately, "good schools" are few and far between (at least as far as public schools go). If you want to teach in a private school, find a local "independent" school. They pay better and have better students than Catholic schools, as a general rule.

As a Catholic school alumni, I'd have to say that it depends a lot on who's running the Catholic School.

Well, the students that is. The pay still sucks. :-)

[Kalle]

Parenting based on fear is child abuse. What else is the threat of physical punishment other than a means to make the child fear his parent's authority?

Rule through fear among adults is called despotism, hitting an adult is called assault, why should the fact that the victim is a defenseless child change this? If anything it should be punished more severely than had the victim been an adult.

[Anders Hallin]

Paying for learning? What kind of whack-ass country do you people live in, anyway? ;)

[Peter Frazier]

Parenting based on fear is child abuse. What else is the threat of physical punishment other than a means to make the child fear his parent's authority?

Rule through fear among adults is called despotism, hitting an adult is called assault, why should the fact that the victim is a defenseless child change this? If anything it should be punished more severely than had the victim been an adult.

Get back to me after you've had a few kids, Kalle. :wink:
A smack isn't a regime of parenting based on fear. I fear going to prison. Does that mean I'm living in a despotic society? It's a bit easy to oversimplify things, isn't it?
Oh, and Tim, sleepovers any time- I never discipline anyone else's kids outside of work and I've yet to smack my own. It's all in the bluff.
Maybe my views on this come from students I have taught who have been given no boundaries- it doesn't create well balanced individuals. If you're going to talk about child abuse, talk about that.

[MikeJ]

Even better, let them realize the logical consequences of their actions.

I'd like to hear more about this (honestly). What are good strategies for getting a child to realise the consequences of his actions? I say this because it seems like a good goal, but it's hard to see how you would go about this.

So, say your child stabbed the teacher at school with a pencil? How would you deal with this?